I would say the same thing. We do not know enough about the other institutions to answer that question and it is best if the student does the research for themselves.
I guess it depends directly what the question is they are asking. since I don't know exactly how the other schools are in my immediate area, I am honest and tell them I do not know the answer, if they are specific questions and I know where to find the answer, then I will refer them too the proper website i.e. Board of Nursing, or I direct them back to the Admissions Rep.
I am a program director, however if a student did have questions about another approach I would use a similar approach that was mentioned by Sean. I would encourage the student research, compare and contrast institutionts and make certain that they are happy with their choice. That way the have a buy in to their learning.
we TALK ABOUT THE BENIFITS OF OUR SCHOOLWHAT AOUR SCHOOL HAS TO OFFER. WE FOCUS ON OUR SCHOOLS ATTIBUTES. wE DO NOT COMPAR EOUR SCHOOLS TO OTHERS. wE PROVIDE THE STUDENT WITH INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SCHOOL ONLY. THEY DECIDE. WE STAY AWAY FROM TAKING ABOUT THE OTHER SCHOOLS
Let them know that we are not able to discuss other programs, However we can tell them about our program.
Thanks for your feedback - I agree that the more transparency the better, particularly when it comes to senstive topics such as transferability of credit.
Do not engage in comparative discussions but focus on the compliant messages you can deliver on your institution. Prospective students are looking to gather objective information so that a choice can be made. Spend the time on the benefits of your institution and program and not denegrating others.
Michael - I agree with your response - and the part about directing them to others when you cannot answer the question is important. I think today's society wants to know everything before they commit.
Encourage the prospective student to make their own comparison by thoroughly researching their options and answer all questions they have regarding our program or directing them to somone who can.
I would respectfully let the student know that I can provide them with all the information about our institution that they would need to make an informed comparison through their own research of other institutions.
With respect to transfer of credit, it is not enough to state that transfer is at the discretion of the accepting institution. Full and thorough disclosure is the best course. For that reason, YTI's catalog and enrollment agreement both state that (1)we are a Nationally accredited organization and that traditional regionally accredited institutions rarely if ever accept credit transfer form nationally acredited institutions and (2) other nationally accredited institutions accept transfer of our credits at their discretion.
Thanks for your thorough response, Jennifer. I agree that putting some responsibility for researching options back on the prospective student, when done as you indicate, is actually appreciated.
Each school operates differently, the best way to learn more about other schools is to visit them yourself as we do not have any knowledge of their school.
You cannot not bad mouth the other institutions or say anything negative about the other schools.
I would tell the student that I am unfamiliar with the other school and unable to answer that question. I would suggest that the student do their own research on the other school.
I always encourage a student to visit other schools and obtain information from them so that they can form their own opinion about each school if they ask how we compare. In my response, I let them know that I work solely for my school so I can answer questions regarding my school (or I can find the answer for them), but when it comes to other schools, they have to do the research on their own. The students I have spoken with have never had an issue with this type of response.
We would let students know that we are not able to discuss other institutions, but we can offer information about our own programs. Also we can let the student know that they are encouraged to make their own comparisons to make an informed decision.
I would only offer information about what our institution has to offer and not compare the two.
I would talk about our programs and what we offer. I would recommend that the prospective student do their own research and visit the other schools to make their own judgement.
